BE INSPIRED BY YOUR WORD OF THE YEAR

Written by Jennifer Korneski, Somerset County 4-H Healthy Living Program Coordinator

Happy New Year!

As we welcome a new year, many of us reflect on the past year, think about changes we want to make and goals we want to achieve, so we set New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, many times these resolutions fizzle fast as the year begins. Maybe it’s because passion fades, there are challenges or there was not a solid plan of action in place. Instead of declaring a New Year’s resolution this year, choose your personal word of the year and be inspired to live in a way that develops, expands, and empowers positive change for your mind and body.

WHAT IS A WORD OF THE YEAR?

A personal word of year is a single word that captures what you want to bring to your life or something you want to improve in the coming year. It will affect everything you do, from how you react to others, to how you care for yourself, and how you prioritize your life. It provides focus and encourages you to consider this word when making decisions, working towards your goals, and just day-to-day living.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A WORD OF THE YEAR?

Reflect on the past year and brainstorm words that initially come to mind. What is something that you could improve on, do differently or keep working on?

Think about the six components of health. Does your word address issues of your physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental health? Often, your word will bring focus to several, if not all, areas of wellness.
Do some soul-searching. Ask yourself, what do you want MORE of in your life? Are you happy with the path you are on academically, professionally, or socially? If not, what can be improved?
Is there is a negative thought or feeling you’d like to change? Think of a word that is the opposite or a more positive alternative. For example, if fear is holding you back from doing something important, think of a positive word for the opposite of fear. Try not use a form of the negative word in your word of the year. Using the word brave is a better choice than the word fearless.

Here are a few examples of powerful words that may fit with your goals and aspirations:

Abundance Adventure Balance Committed

Compassion Connect Consistency Discovery

Focus Gratitude Mindful Patience

Self-Care Service Simplify Transformation

There are no rules. If you choose a word and then halfway through the year, you want to change it – do it! You may even find you have a new word that serves you better or is more specific to your journey. Remember this word is just a guide.

KEEP THE WORD IN THE FOREFRONT OF YOUR MIND

Put it where you can see it every day. Write it in your planner, put post-it notes on your bedroom mirror, on the fridge, in your car, and on your computer monitor. Write it on a small index card and carry it in your wallet or hang it in your locker.

Stay in the mindset of self-improvement and surround yourself with people who are supportive and positive. Listen to podcasts or read books that will help foster your growth, expand your knowledge, and keep your energy uplifted. Keep a journal so you can record your feelings and progress throughout the coming weeks and months, and most of all enjoy the process.

MAKE THE BEST BETTER

The 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better”, is intended to inspire youth to continue to learn and grow while making their best efforts better. We can all learn from this motto and apply it to our daily lives to help us on our journey this year. When we work on being the best version of ourselves, we not only improve our health and get closer to our goals, we inspire others to make positive changes which makes a strong impact on the world around us. Use your word of the year to embrace a new year of growth and get ready to welcome 2022 with the BEST within you!

Be Inspired By Your Word of the Year